RESUMO
BACKGROUND: The stimulating effect of red and near-infrared (NIR) laser phototherapy on bone regeneration and growth has been shown in a number of in vitro and animal studies. However, the effect of NIR phototherapy on the bone regeneration of hydroxyapatite (HA) -treated extraction sockets has not been previously demonstrated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An investigational Biolux extraoral light emitting diode phototherapy device was used daily for 21 days postextraction and socket grafting with HA (Osteograf LD300) unilaterally. Bone regeneration of the phototherapy-treated and nontreated side was compared in same-mouth extraction sockets. RESULTS: Histologic evaluations showed enhanced bone formation and faster particle resorption associated with the phototherapy-treated socket graft compared with the non-phototherapy-treated socket. CONCLUSIONS: The accelerated bone healing in the phototherapy-treated HA socket graft may provide faster implant placement compared to non-phototherapy-treated socket grafts.